Sippo Valley Trail

The Sippo Valley Trail runs nearly 10 miles, with flat, gentle grades, between Dalton and Massillon. It takes its name from Sippo Creek, which cascades along the side of the trail for nearly its entire length. There are numerous small bridge crossings, as well as 12 road crossings. All road crossings are well marked for both trail and road traffic, and are easily navigated.

The rail-trail begins in Dalton at Village Green Park, where open green space (bordered by ball fields and a playground) and trail amenities are plentiful. After leaving the trailhead you traverse fields, forests and streams. Trail mileage markers, with the zero point originating in the eastern terminus at Massillon, are provided every 0.5 mile. The scenery is a beautiful mix of rolling farmland, forests and small-town homes, starting with a close-up ride along the creek banks.

After the first road crossing leaving Dalton, the view opens onto the farm fields that dot the horizon. At mile 2.75 on the Wayne–Stark County line, you begin a 3-mile section of crushed stone surface that makes up the trail's midsection. The stone portion of the trail is in great condition, and in dry weather is easily passable. In wet conditions the stone surface gets slick and may be difficult for road bikers and wheelchair users.

Pockets of forest create pleasant shade along the trail corridor. The rural feel of the trail begins to change around mile 9 as you enter Massillon. The crossing at 17th Street brings you to a very steep descent on the east side of the road along the trail. The hill takes you down to Oak Ledges Park and its beautiful setting next to Sippo Creek. Two bridge crossings take you over the creek, and once you leave the park a short 0.75 mile remains on the trail.

Arriving at trail's end in Massillon, the Sippo Valley Trail intersects with the 70-plus mile Ohio-Erie Canal Towpath on 6th Avenue. If time permits, venture onto the towpath for a scenic side trip. The formal trailhead is just 450 feet back the way you came on the south side of Bottoms Park.

The Dalton trailhead can be reached by taking US 30 to State Route 94 north for 0.25 mile. Turn left onto Main Street after just 0.2 mile, turn right onto Freet Street. Freet dead-ends at Village Green Park.

To reach the trailhead in Massillon take US 30 to State Route 21 (Great Lakes Blvd.) and head north for 2.6 miles. Turn left onto Lincoln Way NW/Route 172 after 0.2 mile, take a right and head north on 6th Street NW for 1 block. Take the first left and head west on Water Avenue NW, which dead-ends at Bottoms Park.